The name may have roots dating to 1936, yet the Victoria Foundation’s Gadsden Initiative looks to the future as Gen X and Millennials across Greater Victoria come together this winter to strengthen their communities.
The Victoria Foundation’s connects a new generation of philanthropists to build relationships within the community. Each cohort takes part in a series of learning sessions, community activities and networking opportunities based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“I feel there’s this mysticism around giving that people have,” says Mike Hartshorne, local real estate agent and a member of the second Gadsden Initiative cohort. “There is a sense of scale that can be overwhelming. Don’t overthink it. Consider the things you’re interested in.”
Each Gadsden cohort participates in four courses, with open dialogue focused on philanthropy and how they can make an impact on their community. Participants then contribute $5,000 over two years to form a permanent endowment fund. The Victoria Foundation matches their contribution up to $5,000. Once the permanent endowment is established, participants can take an active role in granting funds to the community.
“Think about people you know you can help or who you feel are excellent candidates for assistance,” says Hartshorne. “Or groups that you’ve seen other people assisting, where you feel, ‘Yeah, I can get behind that.’ Do it for something you’re passionate about.”
Gadsden members also take an active role in their community, recently experiencing the work of the Mustard Seed Street Church’s Food Distribution Centre and enjoying performances from local art groups Theatre SKAM and 91原创 Opera Victoria at the Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the 91原创. Beyond their local communities, Gadsden members’ work is connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 global goals are calls to action to build a better world for all people by 2030.
Inspiration for the Gadsden Initiative dates to 1936 when Burges Gadsden ran the soup kitchen at the Sunshine Inn on Pandora Ave. He knew the community could be improved by an organization with a solid source of funds to support charities across all areas, helping form the Victoria Foundation.
“It’s remarkable to see the spirit of Burges Gadsden carried forward,” says Jessica Doll, manager of giving initiatives and partnerships at the Victoria Foundation. “The Gadsden Initiative brings together the next generation of philanthropists to make a lasting difference in our community.”
The Victoria Foundation is accepting applications for the Winter 2023 cohort of the , which is limited to 20 matching funds. If you’re interested in applying, please contact Victoria Foundation donor services by emailing [email protected] or by calling 250.381.5532.
